Youth Formerly in Foster Care and Probation Share Success Stories

Ebony Porter, 23, a youth formerly in foster care and residing in Youth Moving On (YMO), a transitional living and housing program of Hillsides, expressed gratitude to numerous staff for their support in guiding her, challenging her potential, boosting her self-confidence, and “never giving up on me.”

Porter was among three youth who commemorated the 10-year anniversary of YMO on June 18 and detailed how their involvement in the program helped them overcome difficulties and childhood trauma on their journey to independence and success.

Another youth, Victor Pinzon, 23, who grew up in Northern California and was involved in the juvenile justice system, learned about YMO while living at Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services. He expressed gratitude for staff helping to prepare him to successfully transition to adulthood. “When I left YMO I was ready to be on my own. I had a job, was going to school and had a lot of independent living skills that I got at YMO.”

Pinzon is back at YMO, not as a resident but as a peer partner. He hopes other youth will be inspired by his story and know that they, too, can be successful in their journey to adulthood.

At 23, Dejanai Sims’ journey has taken her through neglect, abuse, gang violence, low self-esteem, and many other obstacles. Yet she told guests that “resilience helps me press towards the mark of my calling.” She plans on becoming a social worker.

“I am a firm believer that if you can save one child’s life you have done a great job. Because I have overcome many obstacles a wonderful trait has been instilled in me,” said Sims. “Resilience! It allows me to push through these bumpy roads I face.”

The program, which offers affordable quality housing, career training and placement, and a wide array of support services to youth 16 – 25, has seen huge growth since it opened its doors to two youth in 2005. To date, YMO has served 225 youth through its housing program and has expanded from 10 apartments at one site to 33 apartments across five sites.

The celebration continued with the premiere of a video featuring several youth involved in the YMO program followed by a catered lunch of signature dishes by Panda Inn. Guests were also treated to Dots cupcakes, a DJ, a photo booth, arts and crafts, an obstacle course and slide, games, a game truck, and a resource fair.

YMO offers transitional housing in Pasadena and affordable permanent supportive housing in Metro downtown and Korea Town. Youth in the housing program receive life skills training, money management training, and mental health and wellness counseling. YMO was founded with the support from The Everychild Foundation, which raises funds for children in need.

Over the 10 years, YMO has expanded the programs it serves to youth. Thomas Lee, division director of transition-aged youth services, told guests that there is so much more work to do. “We have evolved with the clients and we have evolved with the changing needs of our youth. We must continue to keep listening.”

YMO youth also receive workforce development training and have access to 20-plus workforce development internships across the San Gabriel Valley. Created with the support of The Deutsch Foundation and the expertise of Columbia University’s School of Social Work, YMO’s Workforce Development Program helps youth become valued workers and competitive in today’s labor market.

Two years ago, YMO opened a Peer Resource Center (PRC), a one stop drop-in center for youth 16 – 25. To date, the Center has served more than 1,000 youth. The PRC offers a wide variety of services to youth in the community, including life guidance & support/ communication, housing resources and linkages, resume development, job application assistance, and career planning and goal setting.

YMO is one of four core programs of Hillsides. Hillsides, headquartered in Pasadena, serves more than 8,900 individuals throughout Los Angeles County, from Hollywood to Pomona. Hillsides provide high quality care, advocacy and innovative services that promote safe, permanent environments where children and young people can thrive. For more information on Hillsides, please visit www.hillsides.org. For more information on Youth Moving On, please visit www.youthmovingon.org.